Presenter: Corky Kuhlmann

I. Executive Summary: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) staff have negotiated a contract for the purchase of approximately 71 acres of land adjacent to Bastrop State Park (BSP). The property has excellent recreational potential and habitat for the endangered Houston toad.

II. Discussion: Approximately 71 acres of land have been offered for sale at BSP. The property has frontage on State Highway 21 and more than a half-mile of boundary in common with BSP. The vegetation cover is entirely native pine-oak forest, with one earthen water tank. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has designated the tract as known Houston toad habitat. The location and attributes of the tract make it manageable by existing park staff, and offer potential for expanding public outdoor recreation opportunities in the future, to the extent this does not adversely impact toad habitat.